Despite Almonte's .190 spring average, the Yankees are excited about his potential.(AP)

The competition for the Yankees’ open outfield spots got a little thinner Wednesday, as Zoilo Almonte was one of three players optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Almonte, 24, has never played above Double-A, but hit .277 with 21 homers at Trenton last year and was considered a strong candidate in the derby to replace Curtis Granderson. General manager Brian Cashman said earlier this spring that the team was “excited” about his potential, but Almonte hit just .190 in 14 games this spring.

The other two players optioned were RHP Adam Warren and infielder Corban Joseph, who both still made the trip to Dunedin to play the Blue Jays on Thursday. Warren will likely by Scranton’s opening day starter, and had made three starts this spring before being touched for eight runs in 1.1 innings in relief of Jose Ramirez on Thursday.

Joseph, meanwhile, had played both second and third base this spring and struggled, making a handful of errors and hitting 6-for-31 with three RBI in 15 spring games through Thursday.